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(45.) Complaint against Mb. Goodwin. Youb Honoue, — Rarotonga, 20th December, 1897. Can I bring a case before you ? It is in connection with the settlement of accounts between myself and Mr. F. Goodwin. I have refrained from bringing the case before the native Court, first, because I did not think they would be competent to judge it, and, secondly, as I understood His Honour the Chief Justice of Fiji was to visit us, and that he would open his Court here, I have waited. I do not know if your Honour intends to do so. If not, I shall feel obliged if you will kindly advise me how to act. The case is : I was in Mr. Goodwin's employ, and verbally agreed that I was to receive the same wages as my predecessor. I drew goods and cash from time to time as my requirements found it necessary, and when I left I had under the above agreement a considerable sum due me. I was about two years in his employ. I have repeatedly applied for an adjustment, and the only answer I can obtain is that he has squared off the account in the books. I have, &c, Sir James Prendergast, K.C.M.G., Chief Justice. H. Ellis.

(46.) My Deae Sib, — Rarotonga, 29th December, 1897. I am placed in an embarrassing position by the statements of the Drs. Craig. Their statements so often repeated, and not publicly contradicted, may seem to carry with them some force in time. The embarrassment is in the fact that neither myself nor my friends have had an opportunity to contradict their statements. There is no doubt that their statements, both concerning my want of qualifications to practise and concerning the alleged malpractice, has injured my usefulness as a physician in the Cook Islands. What can be done, and what ought to be done, in your opinion, in view of the injury done by them to my business, particularly to the society which I have the honour to represent in an official oapacity ? In spite of their unfair opposition I am sure that my position among this people has been growing constantly more secure, and the natives throughout the group generally are learning to trust me and my work. Yet I cannot deny that I have been greatly embarrassed by the undercurrent of opposition set in motion by the Hospital Board from its incipiency, whjch was greatly enlarged by the Drs. Craig. To prosecute simply through personal spite is beneath the character of a gentleman and a Christian. Have you any positive convictions as to what I ought to do under the circumstances? If you can get time to give me a reply to this question amidst your many official duties your words will be highly appreciated by Yours, &c, J. E. Caldwell, M.D., Sir James Prendergast. Superintendent of the Cook Islands Medical Mission, Rarotonga.

(47.) [Bundle of miscellaneous papers, recent Toreas, &c. (not printed).]

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